There are many appliances that work on electricity that has made life easier.
Our mobile phones, iPods and all gadgets get their daily dose of energy from electricty. Trains run on it. It has become an integral part of our life. We often start complaining whenever there is a power cut.
For a moment try to imagine your life without light bulbs, fans, refrigerators, air conditioner and many more appliances that use electricity.
The man behind it
Benjamin Franklin introduced the world to electricity. He believed that lightning carried electricity in it and eventually proved it with his kite experiment.
Born in Boston on January 17 in the year 1706 , he earned the title of “The First American.”
Besides being a scientist, he was also a noted author, political theorist, politician, musician and civic activist.
Taking a cue from his work, the students of Harrow High School tried their hand atproducing electricity from lemon, making batteries with potatoes, and from waste.
“Through this experiment we were just trying to find another source of electricity, ” says Taha Naheed, a Std. X student of Harrow High School, and then she proceeds to explain about their experiment with potatoes.
“We tried to light up an LED bulb with a potato using a zinc electrode and a copper electrode along with it.
Potato juice contains many water soluble chemicals that may cause a chemical reaction with one or both of our electrodes.
By inserting copper and zinc electrode into the potato, close enough but not touching each other, you get a potato battery.
By connecting multiple potato batteries you can light up the LED bulb.”
“Any acid is a good conductor of electricity, we knew this fact. That is how we got the idea for the experiment,” says V. Kiranmayee, who acted as a guide throughout their experiments.
Be aware
“The Department of Science and Technology with NCERT conducts a science exhibition every year to inculcate scientific awareness among children.
Books do help them to get knowledge but its only through practicals that we can help them be aware,” says G. Prabhaker, the science co-ordinator, Hyderabad district.
He also urges students to be prudent while using gadgets running on electricity.
“Use more of solar energy to conserve electricity,” he sums up. Let us make “save electricity” the mantra for this year. Remember the slogan – “Be an Energy Miser, Use electricity Wiser.”
Conserve electricity
Turn off lights and fans when not in use.
Turn off your computer instead of the stand by mode.
Ensure all appliances, including the television, are switched off when not in use.
Make sure you check the energy conserving stars while buying an appliance.
Use staircase instead of elevators. This way you also burn calories.
Turn off lights when not in a room and consider using LED light bulbs as they use a lot less energy.
